How to Learn Greetings in Many Different Languages

Greeting a guest in a native tongue can ease tension and facitlitate friendship.

Formal greetings express both respect and well-wishes when used as a bridge between cultures. The phrases "hello" and "how are you" go along way to ease any feelings of apprehension or misunderstanding when spoken in a common tongue. Though the speakers may originate from locations that range many miles apart, the use of a well-understood greeting can open the doors to continued communication. Learning the greetings of a foreign tongue can be accomplished through a number of available resources.

Things You'll Need

• Library card
• Internet access

Instructions

1. Visit your local library branch. The local branch of the public library system holds books and CDs and may offer free classes on foreign languages. Direct translation books, such as English to Russian dictionaries, can be found in the library's non-fiction section. The library catalog can lead to the location of both the formal and informal greetings spoken in a specific region of a country--such as greetings in Parisian-based French.

2. Visit a language-oriented website. An online language dictionary or an online translation website will often display the formal and informal greetings of a chosen language. Many websites provide user-uploaded video presentations of proper pronunciation and basic greetings. Trained professionals and native speakers of a specific language feature heavily in many of the presentations. In addition, many websites provide user-friendly how-to articles designed to inform and educate.

3. Purchase software. Language learning software provides translation, pronunciation, and cultural training that can be used at home or in the office. Large office supply retailers sell low-cost language software, while items can also be purchased online via software resellers and auction sites.

4. Visit a local community center. Valuable language training is often available through formal classes or informal conversations at a local community center. Community centers located in an area populated by native speakers of a foreign language often offer classes, gatherings and events designed to promote community interchange. A schedule of evens is often posted at the center, or on the center's web page.

5. Visit a local eatery. A night out to enjoy an authentic cultural cuisine can lead to conversation and provide a valuable educational experience. A conversation with the staff, or patrons of the establishment can offer insight into the native languages spoken at the eatery. A polite gesture indicating an interest in the culture of the cuisine, is often returned with a wealth of information.

References

• Users: Greetings in More than 800 Languages